From a Muslim

Its too bad about whats happening in the Holy Land. I dont care anymore about who is to
blame and what can be done, lets just leave all the incompetent extremists of both sides
to debate that.

However, I am distressed that this recent conflict has caused such a sharp decrease in
tourism. I had the blessed opportunity to go to Israel last year. Just in case you dont
already know, I am a Muslim and this was a profound spiritual journey for me.

As part of my "Holy Land Trek" I visited Mecca and Medina and stopped over in
Egypt for a few days. From there I took a bus to the Rafah border and began my stay in
Jerusalem. Anyone who has gone to Jerusalem knows the effect it has on a subscriber of
Abrahamic Monotheism. It was simply amazing. I even rated Israel "best tourist
spot" but then again I had already been to Mecca and Medina once before (needless to
say it
won the award that time).

I especially love having a Canadian passport (well then again so does the Mossad). I
had the blessed opportunity to watch activities at the Wailing Wall, being a Muslim in
traditional garb I was a bit nervous but no one said anything.

Visiting the Yad Vashem was also a monumental event for me. The elderly Jewish
ticket-taker was eyeing me quite nervously (probably wondering what the hell I was doing
there). I explained to him that I had come from far away to see this shrine of the
innocents and with a nod of his head and gesture of his hand, my wife and I went in.

It was difficult for me to continue through, because I knew what was inside. I did my
best to hold back tears but I failed miserably.

I also had the chance to make the trek up to Masada, following the VERY steep
stone-staircase. As I watched the sunrise from the peak of the fort, I was struck with the
awesome site of a vast Judean wilderness, the plains where Prophets walked. I sat in a
moment of silence for the Jewish people of Masada considering the decision they HAD to
make.

As I descended the countless steps of stone, a field trip of young Jewish
schoolchildren made their way up. I will never forget the young brown eyed darling you
looked at me with a toothy grin and said: "Peace" while giving me the peace
sign. Naturally I obliged in a similar fashion.

I am not posting this to gain favour amongst people, nor to show how Jewish-friendly I
am. The ONLY purpose is to convey that not all Muslims are wackos like the exteremists who
make headlines. I am an Orthodox Muslim (complete garb, beard, the works) lest people
suggest I am not a "real" Muslim.

TRUE Muslims do not want to push the Jewish people into the sea. The Quran does NOT
teach this at ALL. Yes, there are issues between us, but I dont care what ANYONE says,
there is no justification for what has transpired on BOTH sides.

Truly it is sad that the "City of Peace" is now in PIECES. I can only pray
that we set things right and get tourism back on track. Otherwise, the Yad Vashem and
MASADA will remain empty and the valour of those devout people will be lost in the echoes
of the vast Judean wilderness.